Support the ban on fur farming in Estonia – Mena Suvari

The Estonian-American actress, Mena Suvari, known for her role in “American Beauty” and other films, has sent an open letter to the Estonian prime minister, Jüri Ratas, expressing her support for a bill introduced by parliament members in February to ban fur farming in the country by 2028.

Suvari’s letter follows a recent survey that found that 69 per cent of Estonians do not support breeding and killing animals for their fur. Politicians will cast their votes on the bill on 9 May.

Estonian World hereby publishes Suvari’s letter in full:

Dear Prime Minister Ratas,

As a proud Estonian-American, I was thrilled to learn that 14 members of the Estonian parliament have proposed a bill to ban fur farming. On behalf of kind people everywhere, I urge you to support this legislation when it comes up for a vote.

As you can see in this PETA exposé, chinchillas – animals currently raised and killed in Estonia – are often confined to tiny cages before workers snap their necks or electrocute them. According to a recent survey by Kantar Emor (the Estonian branch of the world’s largest insight, information and consultancy groups – editor), 69 per cent of Estonians do not support raising and killing animals for fur.

The proposed ban’s transition period of 10 years will give fur farmers plenty of time to adapt their business and get out of this cruel, dying industry.

I urge Estonia to join other countries – including Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Slovenia – in taking a stand against cruelty to animals by banning fur farms. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Good for Mena! Many animals on fur farms lose their minds from the extreme isolation and deprivation of being constantly locked in a cage before they are gassed, strangled, or electrocuted. All countries should ban fur farming.

Amy Donovan

Great actress and great advocate. I admire her for speaking out about this horrific trade. Fur farming needs to end NOW.

Craig Shapiro

I’m not only sending a virtual fist-bump Mena’s way, I’m hoping that other countries pick up on this ban.

Heather Moore

Good for her! Fur should be banned everywhere! It looks beautiful on animals, but ugly, vain, and selfish on humans.

Ty Savoy

Damn right. This is a no brainer. Ban them. There’s no way to farm animals for fur that isn’t cruel.

Think it’s great that the actress Mena Suvari is taking a stand in this important matter. Fully support a ban on fur trade. In fact, I think it’s time it was banned everywhere, including in my home country, Norway, where most people would like to shut it down, but the politicians still support this cruel and completely unnecessary industry.

Jaanus Silla

Thank you Mena for noticing Estonia and standing up for the issues here.